An estimated 14 million people visit Myrtle Beach every year. And it’s easy to understand why.
If you've recently visited Myrtle Beach, you probably wished that your vacation didn’t have to end. The good news is that Myrtle Beach is so much more than an amazing vacation spot. It’s also a great place to plant roots and start a new life by the sea.
Whether you’re looking to buy a vacation property or a new place to call home, you can’t go wrong with this South Carolina beach town.
Do you want to know why? Keep reading to discover the top 17 reasons you should make the move to Myrtle Beach.
1. Nice Weather
It’s hard to beat the weather you’ll enjoy in Myrtle Beach. Temperatures stay mild year long, averaging in the mid to high 80s during the summer and high 30s during the winter.
It’s very rare that you’ll experience snow in Myrtle Beach, and rainfall is kept at a minimum. In fact, even the wettest month (August) only sees about 10 rainy days and 6.2 inches of rainfall.
Of course, the ocean’s temperature is favorable too. During the summer months, you can expect the ocean to be between 78-83 degrees.
2. Beautiful Beaches
One of the top reasons people move to the coast is to be on the ocean. And who could blame them?
While you may immediately think of Florida or California as the perfect beach destinations, don’t overlook Myrtle Beach. The beaches stretch on for about 60 miles, giving you plenty of opportunities to find that perfect beach for you.
In most places, the sand is soft and the waves are gentle, making it amazing for children, the elderly, and those who just want to relax in the ocean. However, there are also beaches with bigger waves, perfect for those who want to take up surfing.
The beaches are also very clean and well-kept. And the best part of all is that they are absolutely free!
3. Plenty of Things to Do
Of course, the beaches aren’t just for sunbathing. By living near the ocean, you have tons of activities at your disposal. Jet skiing, sailing, fishing, parasailing, boat tours, dolphin watching tours, banana boat tours, and kayaking are all popular things to do in Myrtle Beach.
And the fun doesn’t stop when you want to go back on dry land. Myrtle Beach also offers many different outdoor sports like tennis and golf as well as museums, art galleries, and amusement parks.
If you enjoy seeing live performances, the Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, and the Asher Theatre almost always have something going on.
4. Chances to Enjoy Mother Nature
The beach isn’t the only natural beauty in Myrtle Beach. You can also find hiking trails that let you experience a different side of the city.
Myrtle Beach State Park has two different trails, both perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can view the local flora and fauna as well as a sandy beach.
The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge gives you the opportunity to walk past various habitats, including wetlands, pine forests, and tidal marshes. Of course, you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled with wildlife during your hike.
5. Pristine Golf Courses
One of the best sports to take up when living in Myrtle Beach is golf. Why? Well, because with around 100 golf courses, Myrtle Beach is considered by many as the golf capital of the world.
Since Myrtle Beach has mild weather all year round, most courses stay open throughout the entire year, so you can practice your swing any day you want.
The courses themselves are pristine and well-maintained. And if golf isn’t your favorite sport, you can opt for one of the many mini golf courses located around the city for a fun afternoon.
6. Tons of Festivals
“All those activities sound fun, but how many times will I really want to golf or walk through museums?” If you like to mix things up, then be sure to keep your eye on Myrtle Beach’s event calendar.
It seems like there is almost always a festival going on. Some of the best include Oktoberfest, the Blue Crab Festival, Wine Fest, the Loris Bog-Off, Mayfest on Main, Litter River Shrimp and Jazz Festival, and the Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival.
Oyster roasts, marathons, and concerts also talk place, ensuring there’s always something going on. And because Myrtle Beach has that amazing weather, all these festivals and events aren’t crammed into just 3 months. Instead, most of them are spread out between March and October.
7. You Can Shop Till You Drop
There’s no shortage of shopping when you move to Myrtle Beach. Here you’ll find malls, flea markets, specialty shops, and factory outlets.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, the best place to be is Broadway at the Beach, while those looking for upscale stores should consider visiting the Market Common. Whether you’re looking to bargain hunt or spend a pretty penny, there are plenty of shopping options to choose from.
8. Convenient Location
If you ever want to leave Myrtle Beach for a few days, you have ample opportunities to do just that. It’s conveniently located just a two-hour drive (or less) from places like Charleston and Wilmington as well as countless smaller towns in both North and South Carolina.
If you’re willing to drive a bit further, Savannah, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Virginia Beach can all be reached in less than 6 hours. Plus, there’s an international airport located right in Myrtle Beach, so air travel is a breeze.
9. Lively Bar Scene
Myrtle Beach has a reputation for being a family-friendly destination (which is true!). But when the sun goes down, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy a little adults-only fun at one of the many bars.
The Grand Strand offers a little something for everyone, whether you want a crazy two-story club or a quiet and relaxing pub.
10. Delicious Cuisine
It should come as no surprise that Myrtle Beach is full of restaurants serving up fresh seafood. But that’s not your only option. In fact, Myrtle Beach offers many different types of cuisine.
Calabash is a popular style near the northern side of the Grand Strand. In this type of cuisine, fresh seafood is lightly breaded and fried. Side dishes like hush puppies, cole slaw, and baked beans are also popular.
On the opposite end of the Grand Strand, you’ll find traditional Lowcountry dishes. Stone-ground grits, grouper, shrimp, and country ham are commonly found. Lowcountry cuisine takes influences from the Caribbean, West Africa, and France, giving it a unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else.
Of course, you can also find BBQ joints and a healthy number of international restaurants, such as Italian, Japanese, French, Chinese, and Mexican.
11. Good Job Market
If you still have a few more years until retirement, you may be thinking that you need to wait to relocate. But that’s not necessarily true.
Remember when we said that about 14 million people visit Myrtle Beach every year? Well, that’s created tons of jobs in the tourism industry. With a high retiree population, there are also plenty of jobs in the healthcare industry.
Myrtle Beach is also a favorable location to start your very own business. The city offers great tax incentives and wealth support, making it one of the best places to start a business in South Carolina.
12. Reasonable Home Prices
One major deterrent to living on the beach is the high cost of real estate typically associated with coastal towns. However, Myrtle Beach has managed to keep prices reasonable, making relocating here a reality, not just a farfetched dream.
While you can find oceanfront houses, these are typically more expensive. However, oceanfront condos still give you that amazing view coupled with affordable prices and tons of awesome amenities.
If you don’t want to live by the beach, you can also find residential condos and even golf condos, so you never have to drive far to practice your swing.
13. Lower Taxes
Other than the fantastic weather, beaches, and golf courses, the lower taxes is another reason that makes Myrtle Beach a great place to live.
There are no taxes on Social Security benefits. In fact, there is even a generous retirement-income tax deduction.
And it’s not just the retirees who benefit. There’s also an extremely low property tax, and there is no intangibles tax,
14. Low Cost of Living
Despite its popularity, Myrtle Beach remains one of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina. The median house costs $133,000 and a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for just $715 per month.
Car insurance is also affordable, costing between $206-$232 per month on average. All in all, the cost of living index is just 92% of the U.S. average. This means you’ll be able to enjoy everything this city has to offer without putting a strain on your wallet.
15. Good Sense of Community
With so many tourists constantly coming in and out, you may think that it would be hard to make Myrtle Beach feel like home. However, there’s a large retirement community that lives here full time as well as a strong sense of community for residents of all ages.
Locals have that classic Southern hospitality and place a big emphasis on being involved in their community. You’ll find that meeting people is quite easy, especially if you join one of the many religious organizations, community service groups, or art organizations.
Pretty soon, you'll have a group of good friends, and Myrtle Beach will feel like your home.
16. Access to Excellent Medical Care
With such a large retirement community, it should come as no surprise that healthcare is a big priority in Myrtle Beach. There are award-winning hospitals and clinics here dedicated to giving you the best care possible.
There are also many assisted living and nursing home facilities to choose from if needed. Of course, you can also find senior communities and in-home caregiving companies for those who don’t want to move into a facility.
So, no matter your health needs, you’re sure to find some of the best care around.
17. Less Stress
If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of city life, moving to Myrtle Beach may be one of the best changes you can make.
The city naturally moves at a slower pace, promoting relaxation among the residents and tourists alike. Plus, living by the beach can actually be good for your health.
Just walking on the sand gives you a better workout than walking on a hard, flat surface like the road. You may also be more motivated to get up and moving on a daily basis with access to the beach and golf courses right in your backyard. And when you exercise, your body releases endorphins which reduce stress and boost your mood.
Of course, listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean and getting outside in the sunlight more often are also great ways to reduce your stress levels.
Myrtle Beach: The Best South Carolina Beach Town
Don’t settle for a town that has harsh winters or little to do. Instead, take the leap and consider moving to Myrtle Beach. From the gorgeous weather and amazing beaches to the sense of community and access to top-notch health care, there are plenty of reasons to move to this South Carolina beach town.
Are you ready to make your dream of coastal living a reality? Then search our Myrtle Beach properties online or contact us today. Let us help you find that perfect home in the perfect location.